President Harry S. Truman, a firm supporter
of programs for the exchange of persons between nations for educational
purposes, believed that through such activities not only would the knowledge
and technical abilities of those engaged in the projects increase but by
helping the peoples of the nations involved to understand each other better
the cause of world peace to which he was so deeply committed would be enhanced.
On August 1, 1946 he signed the landmark Fulbright Act (Public Law 583,
79th Congress), providing for the international exchange of students, professors,
research scholars and teachers. During the remainder of his administration
and after leaving public office President Truman continued to be a strong
supporter of the educational exchange movement as a means for building understanding
toward a better and more peaceful world. The attainment of universal peace
was his overriding goal.
To honor President Truman and perpetuate
his support of the international student exchange movement, the Harry S.
Truman Good Neighbor Award Foundation sponsors scholarships to underwrite
the exchange of students between the United States and other countries for
educational purposes. Each of the scholarships honors an individual who
was both a friend of Harry S. Truman and a strong supporter of the Harry
S. Truman Good Neighbor Award Foundation.
Scholarships
1. The Edwin J. Beinecke, Jr. Scholarship for International Studies at Georgetown University.
2. The Sherman & Irene Dreiseszun Scholarship for International
Studies at University of Missouri-Kansas City.
3. The Sherman & Irene Dreiseszun Scholarship for International
Studies at University of Kansas.
4. The Eddie Jacobson Scholarship for International Studies
at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
5. The Benedict & Donna Zobrist Memorial Scholarship
for International Studies at Northwestern University.
Guidelines for Determining Awards
1. Every effort should be made to
determine if the applicants, whether from the United States or abroad, have
President Truman's philosophical dedication to democracy.
2. Students selected for these scholarships
should be studying such disciplines as international relations, political
science, diplomacy, or related fields reflecting Mr. Truman's interest and
involvement in those fields. When the scholarships are announced on campus,
interested students should submit an application for study abroad designating
field of study; along with a transcript of their academic record; and two
letters of recommendation to the campus administrator of scholarship programs.
3. Foreign students applying for
and receiving scholarships as set out above, must state their intention
of returning to their home countries after concluding their formal studies
in the United States.
4. Unless there are extenuating circumstances,
recipients should be available to receive their Scholarship Certificates
at the Foundation's annual birthday luncheon honoring Mr. Truman on May
8 in Kansas City. At that time each student will receive a certificate from
the Foundation and an accompanying sponsor from each university involved
with receive the $2,500.00 Scholarship check, said funds to be distributed
to the scholars at the beginning of the academic year through the appropriate
offices on the campus of the universities where they are enrolled.
Procedures to be Followed in Applying
for Scholarships
Scholarships are available to undergraduate,
graduate, and professional students who may be American citizens or other
nationals, provided they meet the guidelines set out above.
Each scholarship will be awarded annually
in the amount of $2,500.00. The awards will be non-renewable.
Each institution, at which a scholarship has been created, will establish
a screening process for evaluating the acceptability of the applicants'
academic performance and their potential for a meaningful career or contribution
to international service.
The name of and appropriate biographical
material on each applicant selected by the Institution's screening process
will be given to the Chairman of the Scholarship Committee of the Harry
S. Truman Good Neighbor Award Foundation or his designate by first of March.
Upon selection, Scholarship recipients will be informed immediately by the
Foundation and will receive details about the luncheon at that time.
All students applying for a scholarship under this program shall be given a copy of these guidelines and procedures.